HF 1995

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 03/04/2019 02:04pm

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; authorizing vehicle platooning systems; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2018, sections 169.011, by adding subdivisions; 169.18,
subdivision 8; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 169.011, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 54b. new text end

new text begin Platooning system. new text end

new text begin "Platooning system" means driver-assisted
vehicle-to-vehicle technology that integrates electronic communications between and among
multiple vehicles to synchronize speed, acceleration, and braking while leaving system
monitoring and intervention in the control of each vehicle's human operator.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 169.011, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 92a. new text end

new text begin Vehicle platoon. new text end

new text begin "Vehicle platoon" means a group of commercial vehicles
traveling in a unified manner through use of a platooning system or systems. A vehicle
platoon consists of a lead vehicle and following vehicles. Notwithstanding section 169.81,
a vehicle platoon may consist of up to three vehicles. A vehicle platoon is not a combination
vehicle under this chapter.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 169.18, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Following vehicle too closely.

(a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow
another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed
of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the conditions of the highway.

(b) The driver of any motor vehicle drawing another vehicle, or the driver of any motor
truck or bus, when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district, shall
not follow within 500 feet of another vehicle. The provisions of this paragraph shall not be
construed to prevent overtaking and passing nor shall the same apply upon any lane specially
designated for use by motor trucks. new text begin This paragraph does not apply to following vehicles in
a vehicle platoon if the operator has an approved plan in compliance with section 169.881.
new text end

(c) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow within 500 feet of an authorized
emergency vehicle that is traveling in response to an emergency.

Sec. 4.

new text begin [169.881] VEHICLE PLATOONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Vehicle platoon plan. new text end

new text begin A person may use a platooning system on freeways
and expressways under the jurisdiction of the commissioner if a plan has been approved by
the commissioner. The commissioner must obtain approval from the commissioner of public
safety prior to approving the plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Required information. new text end

new text begin The plan must include but is not limited to the following
information on a form prescribed by the commissioner:
new text end

new text begin (1) total length of the vehicle platoon;
new text end

new text begin (2) the configuration of the vehicle platoon, including spacing between vehicles;
new text end

new text begin (3) proposed route and section of freeway or expressway;
new text end

new text begin (4) proposed dates and time frames the vehicle platoon will be operating;
new text end

new text begin (5) certification that each human driver in the vehicle platoon has a valid driver's license
for the type or class of vehicle being driven;
new text end

new text begin (6) certification that the vehicle height, width, and load limits conform to this chapter;
and
new text end

new text begin (7) vehicle identification information, including VIN, make, model, and year of each
vehicle in the vehicle platoon.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Authority to approve plan. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner may grant or deny a vehicle
platoon plan. The approved plan may include conditions and restrictions to ensure public
safety, minimize congestion, or prevent undue damage to roads or structures.
new text end

new text begin (b) Notice of the reasons for denying a plan must be provided in writing.
new text end

new text begin (c) Failure to approve a plan within 60 days does not constitute an approval of the plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Restrictions. new text end

new text begin Vehicle platoons must meet the following restrictions:
new text end

new text begin (1) each vehicle in the vehicle platoon must have a platooning system installed;
new text end

new text begin (2) while platooning, each vehicle must have the platooning system engaged;
new text end

new text begin (3) each vehicle in the vehicle platoon must have a human driver present and in the
driver seat who is monitoring performance of the vehicle at all times and who holds a valid
driver's license for the type or class of vehicle being driven;
new text end

new text begin (4) each vehicle in the vehicle platoon must meet the vehicle height, width, and load
limits under this chapter; and
new text end

new text begin (5) each vehicle in the platoon must possess minimum liability insurance.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Operations. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a vehicle platoon
must allow reasonable access for the movement of other motor vehicles to change lanes
and enter or exit the roadway. A paper or electronic copy of the approved plan must be kept
in each vehicle of the vehicle platoon.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Violations. new text end

new text begin Each vehicle and each driver within the vehicle platoon must comply
with all applicable traffic laws under this chapter. Each driver and each vehicle within the
vehicle platoon must comply with any lawful order or direction of any peace officer.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Collision reporting. new text end

new text begin In the event of a collision, all drivers of all vehicles within
a vehicle platoon must immediately stop the vehicles at the scene of a collision, or as close
to the scene as possible. All drivers must remain on the scene and must comply with collision
reporting requirements as otherwise required by law. In the event of a collision, drivers or
owners of vehicles with a platooning system must submit information on whether the
platooning system was engaged at the time of the collision.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Plan fee. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may charge a fee of up to $75 to approve a vehicle
platoon plan. Fees for plans issued by the commissioner must be deposited in the state
treasury and credited to the trunk highway fund.
new text end